Coming-of-age comedy

CNY Playhouse stages a memorable ‘Brighton Beach Memoirs’

Zoe Miller, Betsy York, Lesley Heisler, Josh Hintz and Erin Griffin appear in the Neil Simon’s “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” now playing at the CNY Playhouse at Shoppingtown Mall in DeWitt, at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 18, 19 and 20, at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 21; and again at 8 p.m. April 25, 26 and 27; cnyplayhouse.com.
Amelia Beamish

York’s Kate is at her cynical best when uttering metropolitan maxims like “Stay on your own side of the street. That’s what gutters are for.” Heisler’s Blanche runs the gamut from pathetic to triumphant. The first act of the play emphasizes comedy while drama dominates the second act as the older sisters argue, Stanley contemplates suicide, Jack suffers a heart attack, and Nora pouts about her dashed theatrical career.

Griffin carries a particularly heavy load as Nora’s dancing aspirations become an issue for all concerned. The young actress admirably walks that fine line between disappointment and resentment. Likewise, Miller’s Laurie may be a bookworm, but she’s also a mischievous imp, a 13-year-old who clearly grasps the grownups’ fears and foibles.

The entire ensemble utilizes Brooklyn accents which may not be perfect, but they’re pretty darn close and add immeasurably to the play’s urban ambiance.

“Brighton Beach Memoirs” continues at CNY Playhouse, near the Macy’s entrance at Shoppingtown Mall, at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 18, 19 and 20, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 21, and 8 p.m. April 25, 25 and 27. Tickets cost $15 Thursdays and Sundays and $20 on Fridays for show only, or $34.95 for dinner and show on Saturdays; 885-8960; cnyplayhouse.com.